All-local squad to face Martinique in international friendly
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As Jamaica draw closer to the intercontinental playoffs, interim Reggae Boyz head coach Rudolph Speid has named an all-local squad to face Martinique for his second match at the helm of the national programme.
With no international windows before the playoffs, Speid has turned to a local core of players as he looks to settle into the role before Jamaica’s opening match against New Caledonia in March.
Jamaica will face Martinique on February 21 at the Stade Pierre-Aliker in Fort-de-France, Martinique, at 6 p.m. Jamaica time.
This will be Jamaica’s second international friendly since Speid’s appointment as interim head coach, having defeated Grenada 1-0 last month.
Tivoli Gardens’ Nickalia Fuller scored the winning goal for Jamaica last time out with a strike in the second half.
Fuller has once again been given a nod as the wily winger has been one of the standout players in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL).
Alongside him will be several familiar faces from the last match, as the Mount Pleasant pair of Warner Brown and Daniel Green have also received another nod by the head coach.
They are also new additions to Speid’s selection as Arnett Garden’s standout Rushike Kelson has received a call-up to the senior squad.
Kelson, aged 23, has been one of the Junglists’ best creative talents this season and carries a lot of expectations to the squad.
Mount Pleasant’s Raheem Edwards as well as Tajay Grant of Racing United also receiving a call-up.
The midfield remains fairly unchanged with the likes of Adrian Reid, Shamar Watson, Nickyle Ellis and Dwight Merrick all retaining their places in the squad.
The only changes see Kevon Lambert and Jahshaun Anglin making way for Dwayne Allen and Jaheim Thomas.
It is a similar story for the defence as five of the players from the Grenada squad have once again been called up.
The five include Kyle Ming, Christopher Ainsworth, Fitzroy Cummings, Jeovanni Laing and Stephen Young.
The defence will be bolstered with the additions of Tarick Ximines, who is making his return to national duty, Kymani Campbell and Chapelton Maroons’ Robino Gordon.
Tafari Chambers and Daniel Russell will be between the sticks for the Reggae Boyz.
gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com
Full squad
Defenders: Kyle Ming, Christopher Ainsworth, Fitzroy Cummings, Jeovanni Laing, Stephen Young, Tarick Ximines, Kymani Campbell, Robino Gordon
Midfielders: Adrian Reid, Shamar Watson, Nickyle Ellis, Dwight Merrick, Dwayne Allen, Jaheim Thomas
Forwards: Warner Brown, Nickalia Fuller, Daniel Green, Raheem Edwards, Tajay Grant, Rushike Kelson